The forecast for this weekend is sunny and shimmering with a high chance of rainbows as the Twin Cities kicks off the annual Pride celebration in the illustrious Loring Park area. If years past have shown us anything, it’s that not even a downpour can stop these festivities. But thankfully it looks as though we’re in for a bright and warm weekend; both in weather and in spirit. Read below for our choices of the best events this weekend (including a few off the beaten path of Pride selections) and get out there and enjoy it!

xo-l’étoile

THURSDAY, JUNE 25(On view through October 4)

Tree Vision: Work by Pat and Gage Kruse and Jim Proctor

@ Track 29 City Apartments
2841 Bryant Ave S
Minneapolis

5 – 9 pm / Free

Track 29 is one of a number of new apartment complexes that have incorporated art galleries into their floor plans, this one with the help of Jan Elftmann and Cynde Randall, and we love it! Track 29’s fourth exhibition features Pat and Gage Kruse, birch-barkers in the Ojibwe tradition, creating nature-centric “picturescapes,” along with Jim Proctor, an environmentally-oriented sculptor, fusing together pieces of green and growing things to make “hybridized” constructions. Their stated goal: “inspiring a shift in botanical consciousness for all who witness.” Enjoy some hors d’oeuvres from Darbar India Grill and strumming by Joan Griffith & special guest Connie Evingson until 8 pm. -Susan Woehrle

Unique local gallery TuckUnder Projects always offers an array of exhibits in multiple exhibition spaces. This week’s featured opening Everything at Once presents a series of abstract works in graphite by artist Jesse Matthew Peterson. Other exhibits opening this week include Me and What I Could Be by Joshua W. Murray in the Leaky Sink Gallery, Afghan for Pete, an exterior sculpture project from Carolyn Halliday and Más vale pájaro en mano que ciento volando (A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush) an alley garage installation from artist (and former l’étoile writer) Carolina Borja. -Anthony Enright

While the weekend technically starts on Friday, Twin Cities Pride agrees with us that it starts on Thursday; which is why they have traditionally had a massive event on Thursday night to kick off the weekend’s festivities. After last year’s coup of getting Margaret Cho to launch the weekend, this year they’ve raised the stakes considerably by getting an actual living legend. Unlike most living legends though, Lily Tomlin’s career (which is now entering its sixth decade) is far from slowing down (thanks to her stunning return in Netflix’s Grace and Frankie). For this special concert at Orchestra Hall, Ms. Tomlin will be performing some of her classic characters from her career (some which were created in collaboration with her artistic and life partner Jane Wagner, who wrote The Search For Intelligent Signs Of Life In The Universe for her). This is a rare chance to have an audience with one of the greatest comedic talents of all time, and we implore you all to go. -Todd O’Dowd

Now in its ninth year, the Twin Cities Improv Festival is arguably the most insider-y festival in the Twin Cities; and that is meant as a compliment! The annual gathering of the Twin Cities improvisational theatre clan is hands down one of the most entertaining events of the year; a five day festival of performances and workshops celebrating all the glory of improv. Taking place at HUGE Theater, the lineup this year is a combination of local improv institutions (Brave New Workshop, ComedySportz, Ferrari McSpeedy, and special performance featuring all five founders of HUGE) along with nationally renowned improv groups (including Chicago’s Switch Committee and Sibling Rivalry, Connecticut’s Sea Tea Improv, and Austin’s all-female musical improv troupe Girls Girls Girls). There are few events that are better than this celebration of all things improv. -Todd O’Dowd

It almost seems like fate that the Twins would get behind a big local production of Damn Yankees. After all, our local baseball team was built on the remnants of the Washington Senators. Of course the real Washington Senators never had a middle-aged fan who strikes a rather Faustian bargain to turn into a superstar player to help his beloved team win (as the hero does in Douglass Wallop’s satirical novel The Year the Yankees Lost the Pennant, which serves as the basis for this musical). Reuniting the creative team that made The Pajama Game (songwriters Richard Adler and Jerry Ross, co-librettist and director George Abbott, and choreographer Bob Fosse), the show would be massive hit and a staple of the musical theatre canon; thanks to it’s witty book and catchy songs (“Whatever Lola Wants” and “Heart” being two of the more popular examples). For the Ordway’s production, director James Rocco has assembled an all star team to bring the musical to life for this limited run, so root for (what will eventually be) the home team and enjoy one of the classic American Musicals. -Todd O’Dowd

It’s fitting that in this season of revivals and farewells (which has beenthe great theme of the 2014-15 Twin Cities theatre season) that Guthrie Theater artistic director Joe Dowling would end his twenty-season tenure with a return to one of his greatest triumphs; in this case remounting his production of Irish playwright’s Sean O’Casey’s iconic play Juno and the Paycock. After all, it was his acclaimed 1988 production for the Gate Theatre in Ireland that made it to Broadway and launched his career in the U.S. Not only that but Mr. Dowling has gone on record to say that the middle child of O’Casey’s famous Dublin trilogy is one of his favorite plays of all time; which is a good thing as this is one of the bleakest plays ever written. Set in the slums of Dublin during the 1920s Irish Civil War it concerns the tribulations of the divided Boyle clan, in particular the struggles of matriarch Juno as she tries to hold her family together in spite of her children’s stubbornness and her husband’s drunkenness. Thankfully Dowling balances the maudlin aspects of the play with some moments of transcendent mirth thanks to a spectacular cast (with Anita Reeves and Stephen Brennan in the title roles and featuring David Darrow, Sean Michael Dooley, Katie Kleiger, Kris L. Nelson, and Sally Wingert among others), this promises to be a memorable end to the Dowling years. Go dté túslán, Mr. Dowling! -Todd O’Dowd

Always edgy, but sensitively addressing issues that are meaningful to the neighborhood and to the city; always offering free childcare so there are no excuses; and always offering the pay what you can option, Pillsbury House Theatre makes it easy to go to see some of the best theatre in the Twin Cities. But there are plenty of other good reasons to see this particular show. Playwright Marcus Gardley wrote the sweeping, rich historical drama the road weeps, the well runs dry(performed at Pillsbury in 2013). The Gospel of Lovingkindness addresses some of the harsh modern day realities of Chicago’s South Side – single motherhood, gun violence, forgiveness – and is sure to give an eloquent voice to those issues, but you know that Gardley will add touch of history and greater substance to that narrative. Marion McClinton directs and Aimee K. Mann (as well as Thomasina Petrus, Namir Smallwood and James A. Williams) perform and round out the perfect storm for this production. You may get uncomfortable by the material and the staging (strobe lights and gunshots are part of the mix) but you are guaranteed to be moved. -Rene Meyer-Grimberg

It says “At Mears Park,” but as in years past, the Jazz Festival is a dizzying array of artists at a dizzying array of downtown St. Paul venues, playing across three staggering days for absolutely free, mostly all ages all the time. They always get some big names — this year’s biggie is Dr. John, Mr. Gris Gris himself, playing 3:30 PM at the BCBS Stage at CHS Field, and you gotta reserve your tickets. But man, is Dr. John awesome, so you gotta go. Elsewhere, a super-diverse lineup of great artists from the latin jazz of Araya Orta to the London-based Cloudmakers Trio to the stunning virtuosity of Chris Potter/Dave Holland/Lionel Loueke/Eric Harland to the afrofuturist jazz of Moors Blackmon and just about everything in between. It is literally an insane several days, and if you love jazz (like we do) it’s a must. And they’re asking you bring someone who doesn’t like the stuff — good luck, folks. -Jon Hunt

Given the tempestuousness of their career (and the whims of iconic frontman William Corgan), it’s surprising that (a) The Smashing Pumpkins are touring, and (b) that they’re doing their first acoustic tour. But there it is, and here they are, coming to town on the heels of the release of last year’s Monuments to an Elegy. Not only will the evening feature songs from the Pumpkins massive catalogue, but expect music from Zwan and Corgan’s solo work as well. -Staff

There’s a small chance that at one point in your life you’ve fantasized about an all-girl punk band that could be both Danzig, Bikini Kill and Blondie all at the same time. Guess what? You are in luck! If you aren’t already familiar with this Brit bit of Quadrophenia known as Pins, well, hurry on down to the Entry! Local folks Strange Relations open. -Todd Wardrope

A local showing of talent has been put together by an import curator, who has been stacking bills around town on an impressive basis. If you don’t know anything about Simon, we say it’s about time you come and find out for yourself. Phantom Tails, Orchyd, INFINITIES, and LOTT are all going to be bringing in what the Twin Cities creative hibernation has been fortunate enough to provide them. The light design provided by the Mondo Liquado Light Show will play as a backdrop visual during the evening. What better place than Dinkytown’s eclective hub of a venue, Kitty Cat Club, to host the evening. It’s free, folks. Come join us and taking the local indie scene. – Preston Rogosheske

For those of us that had been jammin’ out to the Hunting Club‘s soul-gaze tunes over the past few years, it’s relieving to know that in the bands’ absence from local venues that two side projects from these members have been in the works. Well let us introduce to you to PalmsPsalm and Perfume Monster. These folks are doubling up on their debut, and in typical fashion, it’s going down on a Friday night at the 331 Club in Northeast. Eric Pasi, the former Hunting Club vocalist, is putting down his new tunes under the PalmsPsalm moniker, while the Steen brothers’ “dream R&B” project of Perfume Monster incorporates a new lead vocalist. From the basement to the bar, let’s see these new shiney projects in the hazey limelight. There may or may not be impressions of Sly Stalone from Rocky 6 throughout the night. Come get lost with us. -Preston Rogosheske

Kick off your Pride weekend with the Flip Phone crew as they take over both dance floors at Honey for I Woke Up Like Dis – Pride Edition! DJs Doublestuff and Feminist Killjoy will join DJ Fancy Restaurant for this special Flip Phone and playing Beyoncé-inspired jams along with a Missy Elliot, Ciara, and TLC mixed in for what’s sure to be an incredible night. $4 FLAWLESS cocktails, taps, and rails til midnight along with double the drag queens as Phaedra Simone and Belize Rodgers will perform throughout the night. The party starts at 9:30 pm, so get there early and take Friday off because you’re gonna need it to recover from the biggest Flip Phone party of the year! -Gigi Berry

Kick off Twin Cities Pride weekend in style at the Gay 90’s, which may just be the event’s unofficial headquarters. The Ladies of La Femme drag revue will be open all weekend for some all-star drag shows, beginning with the annual Miss City of the Lakes Pageant, in which local drag queens compete in creative swimwear, evening wear, interview, and talent categories, plus foam and jock strap parties throughout the club, plus dollar drink specials galore. RuPaul’s Drag Race fans will want to get there early for a meet-and-greet with Season Five favorite (and star of World of Wonder YouTube series Alyssa’s Secret) Alyssa Edwards. YES, GAWD! -Jahna Peloquin

The opulent Lake Calhoun Beach Club is sponsoring the social event of the weekend: Flip Phone’s official pool party. If you’ve ever driven by the landmark and wondered what it looks like on the inside, you’re in luck — but only if you bought your ticket in advance. This event is completely sold out, with absolutely no walk-ups allowed. Savvy partygoers who purchased their tickets for general admission, VIP, or Flip Phone’s four-event pass (Thursday’s ‘I Woke Up Like Dis’, Friday’s pool party, Saturday’s ‘Robyn vs. Taylor’ at REV Lounge, and Sunday’s brunch viewing at Union). If you are lucky enough to attend, be sure to note that DJ Fancy Restaurant himself assures us there is no body-shaming at a Flip Phone pool party. Yes, there will be bronzed men with six-packs there, but it certainly doesn’t mean you need one to have a good time. DJ Jeff Kirkwood will be spinning tunes. Cash bar only. -Jakey Emmert

The Beer Dabbler has been on the forefront of the craft brew movement, publishing their bi-monthly craft beer magazine The Growler and throwing sell-out events and festivals that pair local brews with local bites. This weekend, the Beer Dabbler returns with its Pride edition in Loring Park with more than 30 local breweries—including 612Brew, Bad Weather, Bauhaus Brew Labs, Dangerous Man, Day Block, Fulton, Lucid, Indeed, Insight, Sociable Cider Werks—and over 30 food trucks. Beer samples are included in the ticket price, and special food pairings are available in a $3 sample size to pair with each brew. Rounding things out: a silent disco, games, activities, and live music from Prairie Fire Lady Choir, PaviElle, and Apollo Cobra. -Jahna Peloquin

Of all the Pride parties in the Twin Cities, the Uptown one (presented by the Bryant Lake Bowl) has always been the most casual and laid back of them all. And also the most “family” friendy (in terms of having kids there and in terms of being among the most inclusive of the LGBTQIA family). And also the most fun, as it feels less like a drunken bacchanal and more of a true block party. This down home “just folks” feel extends into the lineup for the evening; all spectacular performers who manage to pair an approachable air to their glamour. Among this glittering lineup (hosted by Foxy Tann and featuring sets by L’Assassins, The Lioness, Dykes Do Drag, Mistress Ginger, Courtney McClean & The Dirty Curls, and more) the secret surprise is that spinning between the sets is none other than pioneering DJ Pam The Funkstress of The Coup (in the first of two appearances this weekend). The Uptown Pride Block Party has always been one of the best kept secrets of the Pride season, and now you know where to start your Friday night. -Todd O’Dowd

Can you believe it’s already been 100 years since the Minneapolis Institute of Arts was first opened here in the Twin Cities? It would be an understatement to say that the event to celebrate this occasion has been a mixer in the making. All of the creative elite are expected to be in attendance, and the performances lined up are without a doubt some of the hottest acts around town. Even with a much anticipated DJ set by Chromeo set to poise the evening, local acts such as Allan Kingdom and Caroline Smith will surely be the crowd favorite. The regular Twin Cities resident spinster, DJ Tiiiiiiiiiip, is set to keep the fire lit during an open bar and cocktail party till midnight. This one is already sold out, folks, so we hope you grabbed a spot early. This one is not to be missed if at all possible. -Preston Rogosheske

Traditionally popular in the Scandinavian tradition, paper cuts are also popular in other parts of the world like China, Poland, and Switzerland. This Friday the Guild of American Papercutters will be stopping at hidden Fridley gem Banfill-Locke to show off their intricate and ornate nature-inspired designs, hand-cut from various kinds of paper. From amateur to professional, the show features a variety of skill-levels. Some of the work comes all the way from their museum located in the Phillip Dressler Center for the Arts in Somerset, Pennsylvania. Light refreshments will be served. BL is located near Manomin State Park, so you can make a day of it exploring the falls nearby! -Susan Woehrle

As part of its ongoing #PFsummer Series, art gallery Public Functionary is presenting a one-night installation by 17-year-old visual artist and videographer Harry Sutherland. A frequentcollaboratorof Corbin (fma Spooky Black, who’ll be contributing a DJ set to the event) and Allan Kingdom, Sutherland’s lo-fi music video work explores and critiques the music video medium and the corporate culture that feeds off it. With his environmentVEVO installation, he examines the modern music video through the lens of corporate marketing strategies in a series of video projections, sculptural elements, post-net art and hardcore punk-inspired posters, vinyl stickers, a sound installation (created collaboratively with thestand4rd producer Psymun), and lighting elements that include black lights, LED strips, and lasers. Sutherland uses music by the group Rae Sremmurd as a thinly veiled corporate aesthetic deliberately designed to convey much more than just music. -Jahna Peloquin

Much like its lead character, The Music Man is a deceptive affair. Meredith Wilson’s simple story of a “musicology professor” (read: con man) and the librarian that sees right through him may seem quaint, but if you look again you realize that it’s a spectacularly constructed musical that contains a lot of wit and heart without ever being saccharine. It also doesn’t hurt that the story is not only seared into our collective consciousness (“Marge vs. the Monorail” being one of many homages over the years), but Wilson’s score is nigh-on iconic (“Seventy-Six Trombones,” “Goodnight My Someone,” “Trouble (In River City),” and more). For their production this summer, the Guthrie has assembled a fantastic cast and crew to present this Tony-winning classic; with John Miller-Stephany (in collaboration with music director Andrew Cooke and choreographer Joe Chvala) directing a glorious cast (Danny Binstock as Harold Hill, Stacie Bono as Marian, and featuring Robert O. Berdahl, Jen Burleigh-Bentz, J.C. Cutler, Molly Sue McDonald, Tinia Moulder, T. Mychael Rambo, Mark Rosenwinkel, among many others). This is one trip back to River City, Iowa that we are looking forward to taking. -Todd O’Dowd

Zorongo Flamenco may be a niche dance company, but their performances have always been massive hits in town. Led by acclaimed dancer and choreographer Susana di Palma, Zorongo’s work is deeply rooted in classical flamenco performance while using it as a springboard to explore what flamenco can be in the modern age. For their current show, the company will premiere new pieces by Ms. di Palma and other guest choreographers while accompanied by a host of live musicians (including master gypsy guitarist Chuscales and singer Kina Mendez from Jerez). If you’re looking for a heart-stopping and pulse-racing way to enjoy the weekend, there’s nothing better! -Todd O’Dowd

Grown & Sexy Productions (the event production team led by DJ Shannon Blowtorch and burlesque icons Nadine DuBois and Sweetpea) has been consistently throwing some of the best parties and events in town, and their Grown & Sexy Pride event has been the crown jewel in their career. Taking place in the main room of First Avenue, the event combines great music (courtesy of Ms. Blowtorch), burlesque (courtesy of Foxy Tann and the Wham Bam Thank You Ma’ams ) and local performers (The Vigilantease Collective, Dykes Do Drag, In New Company, and so on). But this year they managed to pull of a major coup as acclaimed performer (and RuPaul’s Drag Race alum) Latrice Royale will be making her Twin Cities debut with this performance. The large and in charge diva (who we recently chatted with) will start the Pride weekend off with a bang, take us all to church, and leave us exclaiming “Jesus Is A Biscut! Let him sop us up!” -Todd O’Dowd

Psychedelic rockers My Morning Jacket visit the historic Northrop venue for two performances this weekend and having locals Hippo Campus and Lizzo open for them! The rockers are touring in support of their new album The Waterfall which has garnered a lot of buzz and stays true to the band’s trippy sound while bringing fans something new and unique. They are most known for their songs “Wordless Chorus,” “Outta My System” and newest single “Compound Fracture.” Locals Hippo Campus open on Friday and Lizzo opens on Saturday so you definitely don’t want to miss what is sure to be a euphoric evening at the amazing Northrop! -Gigi Berry

Mayor Daley are an experimental metal rock band from Chicago. They really are from Chicago, the ghost of Big Black hangs over them like the spirit of punks past. Of course, they’ve got their own sense of noise and music, but it all grows from whatever strange soil drinks in Lake Michigan. Daisy Chains are an English group that discovered Dinosaur Jr. and Lemonheads during a teen-age exchange program to Madison, Wisc. Okay, we made that last part up. -Todd Wardrope

While everyone and their mother is throwing a Pride party this weekend, this special edition of Hug Life sounds like it could be the most fun (or at the very least the best place to end your Friday shenanigans). With a ridiculous assemblage of acclaimed local DJs (including Wyld Lyf, Ken Hannigan, Keith Millions, and Joshua Sundberg) spinning hip-hop, R&B, and more, this is one party that’s going to be a down and dirty (and loving) way to end your Friday night! -Staff

The Ashley Rukes GLBT Pride Parade and Festival have been an annual tradition of the Twin Cities Pride festivities for 43 years running. Sunday’s parade features Dykes on Bikes, North Star Roller Girls, and North Star Gay Rodeo plus colorful floats topped with sexy and beautiful people. Pride festivities include Pride in Concert on Saturday night (more on that below), plus food and artisan vendors, a Pride art exhibition, free entertainment on both Saturday and Sunday on three stages, and two dance tents. (Oh, and the Doggy Drag Show on Saturday afternoon is sure to be a real treat.) Free live music acts include rappers Lioness and Muja Messiah, R&B singer Maria Isa, rockabilly band Southside Desire, plus drag performances on the Stonewall Stage hosted by Nina DiAngelo. Click HERE for the full lineup. -Jahna Peloquin

Founded as a way to address issues in the midst of a white-gay-men dominated Pride, the Dyke March has been going strong over five powerful years. In 2014, in the wake of the CeCe McDonald case, the annual local Dyke March joined Pride-hands with the Trans community, rechristening itself the TransDykeQueer March, an all-inclusive, all-representative celebration of diverse identities tackling body/health issues, sex positivity, sexual violence and consent, and intersectionality. This year, in light of recent events like Caitlyn Jenner’s unveiling, the Charleston shooting and other race-fueled brualizations, themes like #blacklivesmatter, #nativequeerlivesmatter, and #translivesmatter are especially poignant. Join in the solidarity. -Juleana Enright

The Twin Cities is blessed with an enormous number of galleries, but Highpoint Center for Printmaking manages to stand out from the rest with its consistency, specificity, and sense of community. Their shows are a must-see not only for print enthusiasts, but for anyone with an appreciation for the visual arts and curiosity about local talent. This Saturday, Highpoint’s fourth biannual Open Portfolio will feature pieces from over 60 artists around the region. To accommodate the large number of participants, the event will be divided into two sessions: Session 1 from 1:30 – 3 pm and Session 2 from 3:30 – 5 pm, followed by a group discussion from 5 – 6 pm. Stop by anytime, or plant yourself in Uptown for the afternoon so that you can drift in and out during the day to catch it all. Select prints will be available for purchase directly from the artists, so this is your chance to address that awkward blank wall space in your bedroom. -Beth Hammarlund

Brooklyn-based artist Lukas Geronimas shows new works starting this weekend at David Petersen Gallery. This solo show contains both new sculpture and drawings from the muti-faceted carpenter turned artist. Consciously packaged and meticulously presented, Geronimas’ works are painstakingly crafted and unusually tactile explorations into image and materiality. -Anthony Enright

Let’s say you have never been to see a Shakespeare production before. You remember having to read one or the other in school, but never really had a chance to see one performed. That language? You think you’ll never get it. Well, Shakespeare and Company, Century College’s summer repertory theatre company, is offering Shakespeare outdoors, so you can share the experience with friends and bugs and not feel like you wasted a chunk of change on tickets. Take a picnic, eat, watch, have a nice glass of wine (or mead) and enjoy the humor of the master of words with Twelfth Night, or the political and family tragedy of Hamlet. And if Shakespeare isn’t your thing, the company is also performing Moliére’s comedy The Miser as a palate cleanser. -Rene J. Meyer-Grimberg

This lineup is a pretty stellar example of the eclectic show you’d expect at a Pride celebration. Deborah Cox is a R’&’B pop diva that performed the music in the recent “Whitney” biopic. Peaches is an electronic force of nature that gives gender bending dance music a solid kick in the ass. Hunter Valentine, an all-girl rock group, seem intent on creating their own genre. Local star Mayda is an electro funk powerhouse who sits at the nexus of all the other acts to cross the stage. Regular admission gets you into the beer tent, VIP gets you free drinks, free food, a tented lounge area and other surprises. Fireworks, of the gunpowder variety, are guaranteed at the end of the evening. -Todd Wardrope

It’s hard to write about Death Grips and not mention their professional volatility. They break up. They get back together. They book shows. They cancel shows. They tell the world they’re done, then they record a brilliant album. But when you consider the relentless passion and unflinching honesty they bring to their music, their ups and downs make a lot more sense. If you’re going to make music this intense and challenging, you’re going to get pissed off and throw your hands up in the air sometimes. And Death Grips’ innovative industrial hip-hop is some of the rawest and most inspiring music of our generation. They are Important, with a capital “I.” This Saturday, they bring their experimental frenzy to First Avenue with a can’t-miss show that’s a steal at only $20. Go. One day you’ll be able to tell your kids you were there. -Beth Hammarlund

“Sometimes a song is like a silver spoon. What’s the point unless it’s in your mouth?” That’s the question Christopher Owens opens with on his sophomore solo album, Chrissybaby Forever. It’s a fitting question, as this album is a catchy singalong front to back, and Owens lays down some varying styles of guitar that will have your head reeling with summer vibes. This is as close as he’s been to his days fronting Girls — a duo that the American rock ‘n roll scene desperately wishes it could have back. But Chrissybaby Forever is about as close as we’ll get to that Americana-style rock’n roll in 2015. It’s a promising direction that Owens is headed following a somewhat lackluster solo debut (if we’re comparing to Girls’ two phenomenal albums — a pair of albums that resurrected, if only slightly, the hope in worn and battered rock revivalists). Local glam rock fav Suzie and new kids on the block Spooky Ghost open. -Anthony Iverson

So for Pride weekend, Soul Friday (a monthly dance night celebrating Queer women of color) is moving to Saturday night, but the awesome soul sides stay the same. DJ Shannon Blowtorch is one of the best DJs in town, and everybody else spinning (Pam the Funkstress of the Coup, DJ Lady L, Manchita) is awesome as well. Keep in mind, and they ask this on their website: if you ID as white or straight, have a conversation with one of your friends who’s a QWOC to find out how to keep the space special for QPOC. I’m sure everybody’s welcome, but since this is a night specifically dedicated to the brown sisters, just be your ally self, stick to the background (for once! I mean, right? it’s okay!) and listen to some awesome soul. -Jon Hunt

Join DJ Fancy Restaurant as he plays hits from the Scandinavian Princess and the All American Girl all night long. Flip Phone loves this music divas and honoring them with their very own dance night during Twin Cities Pride! This time Flip Phone is taking over the Rev Ultra Lounge downtown so it’s a new venue, but same great party. They’re promising surprise performances, fantastic drink specials, and sexy smiles all night long. You definitely don’t wanna miss this one so call your girlfriends and head down to Rev and shake it off at Flip Phone! -Gigi Berry

With over 900 people attending last year’s event, Grrrl Scout has moved their Pride event to the larger venue of The Cabooze. Be sure to check the Facebook invite to find bus/shuttle pick-ups, since parking on the West Bank is about as fun as a campfire without marshmallows. As for the event itself, all the stops will be pulled: Pool tables! Pinball! Dance contests! Arm-wrestling! A full menu will be provided, and Sheila Rouse and prominent comedian Maggie Faris will be the entertaining hostesses for the evening (it’s a busy weekend for Faris, who will be opening for Fortune Feimster on Friday). Girl Named Jane will be playing music and burlesque dancers will provide additional entertainment. Go get your summer camp on, ladies (and gents). -Jakey Emmert

Twin Cities Pride –Pretty Good for a… Women, Trans, Queer Cover Band Show

@ Seward Cafe
2129 E Franklin Ave
Minneapolis

10 pm

There’s a lot of major Pride activity happening this weekend, but those looking for a smaller more DIY alternative should stop by the Seward Community Cafe for the Pretty Good for a… Women, Trans, Queer Cover Band Show. Get your fix of Josie and the Pussycats, Taylor Swift, and Kesha (did she drop that dollar sign?), while building community and supporting an individual’s choice to live and love the way she sees fit. The event organizers have designs on expanding this to become a regular event, so show up this Saturday to rock out and make that vision a reality. -Beth Hammarlund

The centerpiece of Twin Cities Pride, the annual Ashley Rukes Parade (so named after the late transgendered founder of Twin Cities Pride) is a spectacle; full of color, love, and fabulousity. And for the best seats at the parade, head to one of the many viewing parties dotting Hennepin Ave; complete with the requisite brunch and beverages. Starting at The Gay 90s, the ladies of La Femme Show Lounge (including RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 1 winner and local gal made good Bebe Zahara Benet) will be serving a side of fierce with the scrambled eggs. Meanwhile at the roof of Union, the Twin Cities Gay Softball League are throwing a massive party/benefit with DJ Shiek and DJ Lenka Paris throwing down the beats. At the same time, Crave has enlisted the boys of Flip Phone and the kids at Outfront Minnesota for an epic dance party. Finally, the gold standard of viewing parties returns as Seven opens its roof for their annual Bitch ‘n’ Brunch extravaganza hosted by the iconic Twin Cities doyenne Bitch Flowers (the nom de femme of acclaimed decorator Richard Anderson). However you chose to celebrate the parade, you can’t go wrong with these parties. -Todd O’Dowd

Right in the thick of the Pride weekend action with their location adjacent to Loring Park, Café & Bar Lurcat hosts an all day party with dancing, food, and cocktail specials all conveniently located at the final stop of the Pride Parade. With a huge dance floor featuring three local DJ’s (DJ Lenka Paris, DJ Lindsay Sheik, and DJ Steve Silas) indoor and outdoor bars, and plenty of gorgeous open-air seating, Lurcat may be the best place to stay in the action this Pride Sunday. -Anthony Enright

Doors open at 9 am, show starts at 7 pm / 21+ / 3-day pass for $50 (available at the bar)

Of course the Saloon is the host of the biggest Pride block party. Who the heck else? They’ve got a big, bright, garish, awesome night planned, too (natch!). Kat Perkins is headlining, and you probably remember her from The Voice — she just dropped her debut single, a pretty ass-kicking and quite brash little number called “Drive” that we really dig, and she’s got one hell of a voice. Plus the ever-present Pop Rocks!, a local pop/rock/weird-shit cover band who do costumes and crazy shit, drag performances from Adore Delano and Alaska Thunderfuck (both of RuPaul’s Drag Race) and, you know, tons of other stuff and drinks and fireworks and crazy shit. -Jon Hunt